Event History

2011 – Santa Clara, CA – Great America Parking Lot – “Travel the World in Just One Day!”

Traditional Chinese lanterns are showcased in the United States for the first time at International Culture Exchange Group’s debut of Global Winter Wonderland! The event is centered around the traditional lanterns and also features multi-cultural entertainment, rides and games, international food and holiday shopping for the whole family!

2011 Highlights:

San Francisco declares February 6, 2012 as “Chinese Lantern Day”.

Bollywood Day and Hispanic Day feature cultural entertainment.

San Francisco 49ers Day to welcome their foundation, players and coaches.

Lanterns made with recycled items – medicine bottles for the Phoenix Vase, CDs for the Dragon Boat, porcelain teacups, spoons and plates to make a Dragon and Phoenix

Global Winter Wonderland returns to Santa Clara and has moved inside the Great America Theme Park! Guests were able to enjoy the thrilling rides at Great America, plus a new theme, new holiday lanterns and added entertainment!

2012 Highlights:

City of Mountain View, CA declares a November 25, 2012 Chinese Lantern Day.

Two traditional Chinese Dragon lanterns over 100 feet long are a main attraction!

2014 – Sacramento, CA – Cal Expo – “Travel the World in One Night!”

Global Winter Wonderland returns to California and is hosted at Cal Expo in one of the most diverse cities in the United States – Sacramento. Spanning over 17 acres, Global Winter Wonderland invited guests to “Travel the World in One Night” over the holidays and enjoy over 30 thrilling rides, entertainment from local communities and the event’s very own circus!

2014 Highlights:

Debut of Global Winter Wonderland’s Circus of Light featuring circus acts from around the world.

2015 – Sacramento, CA – Cal Expo & Tulare, CA – Tulare County Fair

For the first time, ICEG produces Global Winter Wonderland in two locations! The event returned to Cal Expo in Sacramento, CA and was hosted by the Tulare County Fairgrounds in Tulare, CA. The Tulare event showcased landmarks from around the world and featured a revamped Circus of Light. The Sacramento event featured a whole new theme, new lanterns as well as new entertainment and activities!

2015 Highlights:

Sacramento, CA – “Magic of the Seasons“

Circus of Light presents Acrobats on Ice – First time in the U.S.

Golden 1 Holiday Ice Rink for public ice skating!

All NEW lanterns including a 42-foot tall Beehive constructed of recycled medicine bottles!

Multi-cultural parades every Saturday and Sunday featuring local and global participants.

Tulare, CA – “Travel the World in One Night“

Lanterns of iconic landmarks from around the world including St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

Circus of Light performs with acts from Africa, Russia and Argentina.

2016 – Sacramento, CA – Cal Expo & Tulare, CA – Tulare County Fair

Global Winter Wonderland returns! After successful events in Sacramento and Tulare in 2015, ICEG brings back Global Winter Wonderland to Sacramento and Tulare for the 2016 holiday season. Both locations introduced our new mascot, Penny the Penguin! Sacramento’s brand new theme brought larger-than-life displays of Santa’s Village, Candy Land, Snow Land, Toy Land and more. Tulare featured the “Magic of the Seasons” displays and also showcased new entertainment and activities.

2016 Highlights:

Sacramento, CA – “Holiday Fun for Everyone“

Circus of Light returns with new acts from around the world!

All NEW dazzling light displays featuring magical, holiday lands such a the Candy Forest and Toy Kingdom.

All NEW lanterns representing all four seasons, dinosaurs, the animal kingdom and international landmarks.

Circus of Light returns with all new acts from Africa and China.

2017 – Sacramento, CA – Cal Expo & San Diego, CA – SDCCU Stadium

Global winter Wonderland returns to Sacramento for its 4th season and makes its debut in San Diego! Through our renowned lantern displays that featured iconic buildings and landmarks around the globe, guests were invited to experience “Holidays Around the World.” At both locations, new displays, activities, and entertainment provided guests an immersive celebration of different cultures’ holidays. Global Winter Wonderland also provided brand-new, daring entertainment in Sacramento and San Diego, with the Motorcycle Globe (up to 5 riders at one time!), Tight-Wire, and Wheel of Death Acts!

2017 Highlights:

Sacramento, CA – “Holidays Around the World“

Circus of Light returns with exciting, new acts from around the world, including Africa, China, and the Polynesian islands.

All NEW lantern displays, including Egyptian Pharaohs and Pyramids, Brazilian Carnival Dancers, the Arc de Triomphe and Parthenon.